Five Lines is a collection of writings about music in Aotearoa New Zealand by Elizabeth Kerr. It features short articles, artist profiles and reviews of concerts, operas and albums. You can subscribe - it’s free - at the bottom of any story.
NZSO Immerse: Vengerov plays Sibelius
Violinist Maxim Vengerov’s Sibelius Violin Concerto was a highlight of the NZSO’s Immerse Festival, under the sensitive baton of André de Ridder.
NZ Opera’s Così fan tutte: sparkling, sophisticated artifice
New Zealand Opera’s sparkling Così fan tutte has an outstanding cast, clever direction, comedic highlights and an increasingly fantastic design. Just what was in those cocktails?
NZSO Requiem: life and death across three centuries
The NZSO’s “Requiem” concert offered music about life and death from John Psathas, Richard Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Conductor Gemma New brought energetic inspiration to all three works.
My top five 2021 classical releases
My top five classical releases for 2021.
Tony Yan Tong Chen - Homecoming
Young New Zealand pianist Tony Yan Tong Chen displays his range and virtuosity on a new album of music by Liszt, Mozart, Tan Dun, John Psathas and Prokofiev.
When the curtain suddenly falls
What does it really mean to the performing arts when the curtain comes down without notice?
Raising the curtain on Wellington Opera
Mozart’s Don Giovanni is the premiere production of a new opera company in Wellington. On opening night the applause was whole-hearted.
Mozart live – nourishing the invisible
Orchestra Wellington was quick off the mark with one of the first live concerts in New Zealand after lockdown.